There are so many reasons why vinyl records remain important. They hold within them the power to sound significantly better than streamed music. They’re collectors items. They’re works of art. They’re the genesis of relationships, of conversations ‘round the water cooler, of a deep connection to music and the artist’s that make it. It’s not just one things that makes vinyl vinyl; its all things. 

Sound

Hidden within many a record is a wealth of information dying to get out. It’s all in there. Oodles of the stuff. And the more information you have the better your sound quality can be. All that’s required are the right tools to retrieve it. Quality records played on quality equipment will always trump a streamed music experience. It’s not so much that it sounds better; it’s just sounds different… in a better way! There’s a warmth, there’s a level of detail and dynamics that’s undeniable when heard. And that quality of listening is truly addictive. 

Ritual

Like coffee wine and whisky, vinyl records are littered with ritual that incites passion. From cleaning and storing to purchasing and cataloguing, the innumerable tiny habits that vinyl elicits makes converts of us all. To a coffee snob, it’s the grinding, measuring, tamping, and pouring that makes the perfect morning brew. So too with records. Are MP3s easy? You betcha. And that’s why they hold little intrinsic value. But the tiny, varied and inconvenient practices supporting vinyl play have a tendency to tug at the heart strings. Get ready for some deep prayer within vinyl’s house of the holy. 

Relationships

Vinyl junkies are a passionate bunch. And they love a good yarn around the water cooker, aka: your local record store. Friendships blossom between regulars on an early Saturday morning record hunt. They blossom between you and whomever is standing behind the counter, those breathing encyclopaedic catalogues of music knowledge. Purveyors of wisdom when it comes to publishing dates, pressing quality, production value, and the who’s who of new and old music – no matter the genre. Some of the best friends are established through vinyl. 

Collector’s items

Some folk love the sound, some the art. And some are drawn to those rare and precious vinyl pressings that only few die-in-the-wool collectors possess. And when you’re one them, it’s something else. An intimate connection with an inanimate objects is completely bonkers to most. But in the ever immortal words of Pusha T (from his remarkable 2018 album, Daytona, produced by Kanye West) “if you know you know.” Collecting is highly addictive, and a large reason behind vinyl’s popularity. You have been warned. 

A phono stage, also known as a phono preamplifier, boosts the signal from your turntable's cartridge to a level that your audio system can handle. Unlike CDs or digital music, vinyl records store audio in an analog format, which needs special amplification.

Without a phono stage, the signal from your turntable would be too weak to make music at a good volume. Also, it applies a special equalisation curve called the RIAA curve to properly play your records without distortion.

You have a few options:

1. Integrated Amplifiers: Some stereo amps or receivers come with a built-in phono stage.
2. Standalone Phono Preamps: If your amp doesn't have one, you can buy a separate phono preamp. They come in different price ranges.
3. Turntables with Built-in Phono Stages: Many modern turntables, like our Dual turntables, already have a phono stage built-in. This makes setup easier.

Some turntables, including all of our above Dual models, have a Phono/Line switch. This lets you bypass the internal phono stage if your amp already has one. Or you can switch to Line mode for other types of inputs. Meaning you can use an amplifier (traditional setup), or plug your turntable directly into some powered speakers (modern setup).

In short, a phono stage is essential for getting the best sound from your vinyl records. Whether you choose a separate preamp or a turntable with a built-in one, it's crucial for that warm, rich analog sound we all love.

• Convenience: Automatic turntables offer hands-free operation, making them easy to use, especially for beginners.
  
  
• Reduced Wear: Automated mechanisms reduce the risk of damaging records or styluses due to manual errors.
  
  
• Cueing Assistance: Automatic cueing systems help to lift and place the tonearm precisely, minimising the risk of scratching records.
  

• Balanced control and convenience: Offers some automation (e.g., auto-return at the end of the record) while still allowing manual control over the starting point.

• Reduced risk of damage: Provides a compromise between full automation and manual operation, minimising the risk of accidental stylus damage.

• Versatile playback: Suitable for both casual listening and more involved listening sessions where manual control is desired.

• Full Control: Manual turntables offer complete control over the playback process, allowing users to start, stop, and cue records precisely according to their preferences.
  
  
• Enhanced Engagement: Manual operation enhances the tactile experience of playing vinyl records, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy interacting with their music collection.
  
  
• Versatility: Manual turntables are often more versatile and compatible with a wider range of records, including those with unconventional sizes or formats.